"Because of this the second day's sitting could be completed ahead of time so that the prime minister could leave for Delhi by 5 pm," sources in the Prime Minister's Office pointed out.

Among those who spoke on the first day included Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad, former chief ministers Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Communist Party (Marxist) leader Yusuf Tarigami and on Thursday Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were amongst those who were expected to make their presentations.

Interestingly both the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party have threatened not to attend the next round of discussions if nothing tangible comes out of the present round.

"I think the Hurriyat has missed an opportunity to place their point of view before us. If they could do it in Pakistan why can't they do here?" Dr Abdullah told rediff.com.

Another reason for Dr Singh's early return is the security concern. The city has come to a standstill and visitors to the Valley have been forced to stay indoors and not venture out because of massive security presence.